The adults like the whole idea of the original roadside tourist attraction. The first show opened in 1947. Totally retro.

The girls–young and old–just love the idea of mermaids.

After about the age of three, the boys are way too macho for mermaids but there is an animal show, boat ride and Buccaneer Bay.

The SlidesJust messing around in the water.Animal Show.boat ride

So, this is one place all of my guests enjoy.

Warning, the water in Buccaneer Bay is 72 degrees! Too cold for Piper!

The kiddie pool and the slides are only open during certain holidays and summer break.

Dropped the ball here, too. Piper said she just wanted to see the mermaid show again. N o swimming. So grandma didn’t bring a swimming suit or towel. When will I learn?

The mermaid show is fun. The doors are open 1/2 hour before showtime. So you want to get there probably about 45 minutes early. When you get in, get to the very center, right in front of the stage. Well worth all those senior citizens that you knock over while you climb over the back of the seats with your impressionable young granddaughters with you.

Because the little mermaid (after she gets her legs) and her prince will dance right in front of you.

Then the evil witch will jump out of the opening right over that sweet young couple and scare the b’jesus out of the granddaughters. Seriously worth knocking those people to get the perfect seat just to get a look at their terrified young faces. So far I haven’t been able to adequately capture that look of complete horror from those tiny little girls.

Then as soon as the show is over, you have to grab the hand of that small child and run–do not walk–to beat the line and meet the mermaid. She’s over by the gift shop. Ignore that peacock even if that small child wants to know what it is.

If anyone complains about the rushing, just say the kid has to throw up and we are on the way to the restroom. That gets those slow movers out of the way every time!

And it’s all worth it!

To be first in line.

For the mermaid cause she’s not all worn out form all those sweaty little girls asking questions! Like, why isn’t your hair wet and how exactly did you get here with no legs!

Yes. We’ve been here a few times and got some coaching from our mermaid friends.

More advice.

In the summer, get there before 9 am when it opens. When the park hits capacity, it closes. Even if people leave, you aren’t getting in that morning. Small children will cry. So much sadness.

Terry and I have an annual family pass to the State Parks. That gets two of us in. Then we have to pay for anyone over 6. $5 for the 9-year-old. If you are a veteran and have proof there is a 25% discount for the family pass. This is substantial!

Okay. Just in case you don’t know, Weeki Wachee is about 30 minutes south of Homosassa on US-19. Can’t miss it.

Maybe I’ll have another local place next week. Maybe not. I’m not dependable!